Maxon and Tencent Cloud Partner to Integrate AI into Cinema 4D

The integration of artificial intelligence into 3D modeling software continues to accelerate, with Maxon announcing a partnership with Tencent Cloud to bring generative AI capabilities to its Cinema 4D suite. This move follows closely on the heels of Autodesk’s launch of Wonder 3D, signaling a growing trend toward AI-assisted workflows in the creative industry.

Tencent’s HY 3D Engine Comes to Cinema 4D

Maxon is integrating Tencent’s HY 3D AI engine directly into Cinema 4D, allowing artists to generate base 3D models and UV maps from text prompts or image references. The partnership, unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, aims to streamline the early stages of the creative process, particularly ideation and prototyping.

The HY 3D engine, developed by Tencent Cloud and trained on Tencent’s extensive library of games, will be available as an optional “selectable workflow enhancement” within Cinema 4D. Maxon emphasizes that the integration is not intended to replace skilled 3D modeling artists, but rather to provide them with additional tools to accelerate their work.

Cinema 4D for iPad and Desktop Integration

The AI-powered features will first launch in a new Cinema 4D for iPad app, slated for release in late 2026, before being integrated into the existing desktop application. This expands the possibilities for 3D workflows on Apple’s tablet, following the release of ZBrush for iPad in 2024.

Maintaining Artistic Control

Maxon CEO Dave McGavran stated that the partnership “is about giving creators additional tools to move faster when they choose to, especially in early-stage ideation and prototyping. The artist remains in complete control of the final result.” The company is responding to concerns within the artistic community regarding the potential impact of AI on human creativity and job security by prioritizing a creator-first approach and ensuring artists retain control over the creative direction.

Compatibility and Future Pricing

Assets generated using the HY 3D engine will be fully customizable within Cinema 4D and compatible with Maxon’s broader ecosystem, including ZBrush, Redshift and Red Giant tools. While the cost of Cinema 4D itself will remain unchanged, Maxon anticipates that the AI-enabled tools “may have its own pricing,” potentially utilizing a credit system similar to those employed by Adobe and Autodesk.

Maxon too confirmed that customer content was not used to train the HY 3D AI model, as the engine was trained exclusively on Tencent’s game library.